Investigation and laboratory diagnosis of an imported Plasmodium ovale malaria case

Objective To investigate the first imported case of P.ovale malaria in Shenzhen area for providing reference for the diagnosis and treatment.Methods The clinical history and epidemiological information were collected.The Plasmodium parasite in blood sample was detected and identified by microscopy,malaria rapid diagnostic test and nested PCR methods.Results The patient returned from malaria endemic areas in Guinea on Jan 24,2014,and developed symptoms of chill,fever and sudation,which lasted about 3hr every day since Mar 3,2014.The different blood stages of P.ovale were observed under microscopy,with fimbriated edges of infected red blood cells.The P.ovale was identified as P.ovale wallikeri by nested PCR.However,the RDT test was negative.The patient was cured with artesunate combined with primaquine phosphate.Conclusion The case was an imported P.ovale malaria according to epidemiological,clinical manifestations and laboratory examination results. Key words: P. ovale malaria;  Imported;  Epidemiological investigation;  Diagnosis